BattlefieldsSiege of Limerick (1650–1651)
English Civil War

Siege of Limerick (1650–1651)

1650–1651
Limerick, Ireland
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Limerick, Ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Confederate/Royalist Irish garrison
Forces
Confederate Irish garrison c.1,500–2,500.
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians (Henry Ireton)
Forces
Parliamentarians c.6,000–8,000
Outcome
City surrenders after long siege; Ireton dies of plague
The Battle

History & Significance

The longest and most costly siege of the Cromwellian conquest. Limerick held out for over a year, ravaged by plague. Ireton died of plague during the siege. The city eventually surrendered in October 1651. The Cromwellian settlement that followed dispossessed virtually all Catholic landowners in Ireland.

Casualties & Losses

Thousands died of plague on both sides; Ireton died

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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